John Dehlin's poll -- data on why you no longer believe

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_The Dude
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John Dehlin's poll -- data on why you no longer believe

Post by _The Dude »

FYI, John Dehlin put together a poll to collect data on why people no longer believe in the LDS church. Apparently, he has a meeting with a high level LDS leader in 2 weeks to talk about this. It is anonymous, of course.

I took the poll. It was fun.

The last question is, "If you could speak with a top church leader, what would you ask or tell him? (Please try to keep these comments constructive)."

My question would be: In your opinion, what is the biggest hole or mystery in Mormon theology/cosmology?

Check out the poll:
Why Do You No Longer Believe
"And yet another little spot is smoothed out of the echo chamber wall..." Bond
_Some Schmo
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Re: John Dehlin's poll -- data on why you no longer believe

Post by _Some Schmo »

The Dude wrote: The last question is, "If you could speak with a top church leader, what would you ask or tell him? (Please try to keep these comments constructive)."

I wrote:

What's likely most unfortunate about the church is that what is taught does not disclose the full truth, and when people discover that, they feel lied to. If you want to be considered a church of god, then all rationalizations of "lying for the Lord" should be abandoned.

It would also help the church's credibility if they were open about their finances.
God belief is for people who don't want to live life on the universe's terms.
_jon
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Re: John Dehlin's poll -- data on why you no longer believe

Post by _jon »

I didn't respond.

If the Church wants to know what I think they can ask me directly or get God to tell them.

Interestingly the survey requests that you indicate your income bracket. Will they prioritise the actions to be taken based on getting the richest back in the pews first?
'Church pictures are not always accurate' (The Nehor May 4th 2011)

Morality is doing what is right, regardless of what you are told.
Religion is doing what you are told, regardless of what is right.
_The Dude
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Re: John Dehlin's poll -- data on why you no longer believe

Post by _The Dude »

jon wrote:I didn't respond.

If the Church wants to know what I think they can ask me directly or get God to tell them.

Interestingly the survey requests that you indicate your income bracket. Will they prioritise the actions to be taken based on getting the richest back in the pews first?


How much money they have lost from you = your income bracket x how long you have been inactive x 10%.

I've been out for 15 years, but I didn't start making big bucks until last year. Up until then I was a graduate student / postdoc making <50k per year. So for me, the number will be an overestimate. Still, it lets them project how much they will lose in the future from my loss of faith.

$$ is their main interest, right?
"And yet another little spot is smoothed out of the echo chamber wall..." Bond
_Some Schmo
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Re: John Dehlin's poll -- data on why you no longer believe

Post by _Some Schmo »

The Dude wrote: $$ is their main interest, right?

Hmmm... it just occurred to me that I marked my income too low. Bummer. The more regret they feel, the better.
God belief is for people who don't want to live life on the universe's terms.
_jon
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Re: John Dehlin's poll -- data on why you no longer believe

Post by _jon »

Why would an organisation that has a direct line to God need to utilise a survey by John Dehlin to find out what people think about them?

If the Church was serious about members views, there would be a system in place for the Leaders to gain regular feedback. There isn't. In fact members have been actively discouraged from providing feedback to the Leaders.

Make your mind up guys.
Does God lead the Church or is it survey driven?
Do you want feedback or don't you?
'Church pictures are not always accurate' (The Nehor May 4th 2011)

Morality is doing what is right, regardless of what you are told.
Religion is doing what you are told, regardless of what is right.
_Some Schmo
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Re: John Dehlin's poll -- data on why you no longer believe

Post by _Some Schmo »

jon wrote:Why would an organisation that has a direct line to God need to utilise a survey by John Dehlin to find out what people think about them?

If the Church was serious about members views, there would be a system in place for the Leaders to gain regular feedback. There isn't. In fact members have been actively discouraged from providing feedback to the Leaders.

Make your mind up guys.
Does God lead the Church or is it survey driven?
Do you want feedback or don't you?

We both know it's not driven by god, jon.

Since it's obviously a man made organization, I don't specifically see a problem with them looking for feedback (assuming they really are - I have a feeling this data will go largely, if not entirely ignored). In fact, a church that really was for the people would care what the people thought. Like I said, however, I doubt they really do care all that much.
God belief is for people who don't want to live life on the universe's terms.
_jon
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Re: John Dehlin's poll -- data on why you no longer believe

Post by _jon »

Some Schmo wrote:
jon wrote:Why would an organisation that has a direct line to God need to utilise a survey by John Dehlin to find out what people think about them?

If the Church was serious about members views, there would be a system in place for the Leaders to gain regular feedback. There isn't. In fact members have been actively discouraged from providing feedback to the Leaders.

Make your mind up guys.
Does God lead the Church or is it survey driven?
Do you want feedback or don't you?

We both know it's not driven by god, jon.


Sssssshhhhhh, there's people here that don't know that yet, wouldn't want to spoil the surprise......
'Church pictures are not always accurate' (The Nehor May 4th 2011)

Morality is doing what is right, regardless of what you are told.
Religion is doing what you are told, regardless of what is right.
_Some Schmo
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Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2007 2:59 pm

Re: John Dehlin's poll -- data on why you no longer believe

Post by _Some Schmo »

jon wrote:
Some Schmo wrote: We both know it's not driven by god, jon.


Sssssshhhhhh, there's people here that don't know that yet, wouldn't want to spoil the surprise......

D'oh! Me and my big mouth!

Um... just kidding, everyone. Carry on. All is well in god's one true church, and stuff... yeah... that's it...
God belief is for people who don't want to live life on the universe's terms.
_Buffalo
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Re: John Dehlin's poll -- data on why you no longer believe

Post by _Buffalo »

Interesting survey - worth taking!
Parley P. Pratt wrote:We must lie to support brother Joseph, it is our duty to do so.

B.R. McConkie, © Intellectual Reserve wrote:There are those who say that revealed religion and organic evolution can be harmonized. This is both false and devilish.
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